When should you go for an MBA, abroad -- as a fresher or after some work experience?
According to overseas education counsellor Karan Gupta who answered queries pertaining to this and more, during a chat on January 25:
'The ideal time is after at least three to five years of full-time work experience.'
For those of you who missed the chat, here is the transcript:
Karan Gupta says, I am here now, so shoot your questions.
Chaitanya asked, Dear sir, are there any good universities, which do not require work experience?
Karan Gupta answers, I presume that you are talking about an MBA. Without work experience you cannot get into any good MBA programme. Besides, your learning is hampered as well.
Satish asked, Sir, what are the basic criterions for selection weightage wise?
Karan Gupta answers, I presume you are talking about selecting universities. When selecting universities you should look at factors such as job prospects after graduation, course content, location and so on.
Animesh asked, Dear Karan, request you please advice on Masters in Investment Banking and International Investment Analysis course from US.
Karan Gupta answers, Investment banking is a very good field to be in. Job prospects are good and if you are located in a big financial city, you most likely will not have any problem in getting a job.
Inderjith asked, Dear Karan, I already have an MSc from Liverpool University, UK and I'm back working in Bangalore. I want to pursue my MBA either in UK or in USA. Please suggest me if its worth doing that as I already have a masters degree?
Karan Gupta answers, An MBA is very different from a Master's degree. A Master's degree is more focused on one particular field such as Marketing or Finance. An MBA is a general business degree, which will teach you finance, accounting, marketing and so on. An MBA will teach you how to become an effective business leader and manager whereas an MSc or masters degree will deals with more theoretical information.
Sonali asked, Hi Karan, I would like to know about the courses offered for pilot training? What are the fees for such courses? Thanks.
Karan Gupta answers, You could try Delta Connection Academy in the US for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). If you want a degree in Aviation you could try the Florida Institute of Technology. Fees vary and could cost you around $ 20,000.
Kaushik asked, Hi Karan, I have 4.5 years of work experience (IT), 690 in GMAT. I want to apply to colleges where full aid is a chance for me. Which colleges do you suggest?
Karan Gupta answers, Full scholarships for an MBA is very difficult. However, you can try applying to UNC Chapel Hill, which may offer a full co-signor free loan if you get admission.
Papu asked, Hi Karan, I got admission for MBA from Strathclyde (under HSMP), Nottingham (under HSMP), Lancaster and Macquire (Australia). Can you suggest me, which one would be the best in terms of reputation and employability in UK? Regards, Somen.
Karan Gupta answers, In my opinion, I would opt for Nottingham or Lancaster. Both are very good schools.
Harikrishnan.J asked, Good afternoon Karan., I have completed my applications to four universities for my MS in USA. What would be typical timeframe to get a visa interview if I am admitted (in case I get the I-20 form late)?
Karan Gupta answers, You could apply for your visa in the month of May or June, depending on your I-20 and the readiness of your documents. Getting a visa date is never a problem, so don't stress about getting a visa date.
Vijayraj asked, Hi Karan, I have good experience in IT industry. I have scored 980 in Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Is there any possibility for good colleges?
Karan Gupta answers, A score of 980 in GRE is low. However, if your academic record and Statement of Purpose is good, you could still get admission in a good school.
Amitjaura asked, Hello Karan, what is the ideal time to go for an MBA? As a fresher or after some work experience?
Karan Gupta answers, The ideal time is after at least three to five years of full time work experience.
Sudhir asked, Hi Karan, I am a Chartered Accountant and would like to pursue MBA from US. Could you please suggest some good universities with one-year MBA programmes.
Karan Gupta answers, University of Pittsburgh and Case Western Reserve University both offer one-year MBA programmes.
Sanjeev asked, Hi Karan, my elder brother, 31, is an electrical engineer and wants to become a commercial airline pilot. His eyesight is 6/6 in both eyes. I have a few questions on this behalf: a) Does an airline put any age restrictions for commercial airline pilots? b) Which are the best flying schools internationally to get training for commercial airlines pilot? c) How much does the course cost? How long is the course?
Karan Gupta answers, Yes, most airlines do put restrictions on age for employment of pilots. You can try the Delta Flight Academy in the US. The course can be completed in a minimum of six months and costs around $20,000.
Satish asked, Hi Karan, my brief profile: finished engineering and worked in Infosys for two years as a software engineer. Went for MBA from an IIM, graduated and presently working in a big MNC IT company as SAP Financials consultant for nearly two years now. I feel that in my current company, the MBA degree that I've obtained is not being recognized appropriately. When it comes to giving more responsibilities or promotions, experienced hands (no matter how less qualified) are being preferred over me. How shall I make full use of my IIM degree? Should I shift jobs now or should I persist with the current company and struggle it out?
Karan Gupta answers, Well, you really should evaluate your career goals and see where you want to go five years from now. After you have a clear picture of your goals, making this decision should not be difficult.
Raj asked, Hi Karan, can u throw some light on expenses during MBA and is it possible to manage life with your spouse when you are not earning?
Karan Gupta answers, Studying for an MBA can cost you around $ 30,000 per year in the US (course duration is two years). You can work on campus and may be able to cover your living expenses. If you are in the US, your spouse will not be allowed to work while you are studying.
BKK asked, Hi Karan, could you comment on the job prospects after doing MSc. in financial engineering from Nanyang?
Karan Gupta answers, Financial engineering is a great field to be in. Landing a job will not be a problem after you graduate from Nanyang.
Amit asked, Hi Karan, I want to go for PhD. I haven't tried for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (Toefl) so far. Is it possible to get a good call without these scores?
Karan Gupta answers, Yes, you can get admission to schools without GRE. But TOEFL is required (unless you get a waiver).
Abhimanyu asked, Hi Karan, I am interested in a major in the field of research in nuclear medicine. Can you tell me the best schools to offer that? Also, how should I proceed towards getting there? I am right now doing my MBBS. Thanks. Karan Gupta answers, I have seen courses in nuclear engineering but not nuclear medicine. You can try Purdue University, which offers a degree in nuclear engineering. Getting a visa for this course may be very difficult.
Armanhas asked, What are the options for Indian chartered accountants overseas?
Karan Gupta answers, Without studying in the US, getting a job in the US for an Indian CA is very difficult.
Vel asked, Hi Karan, is there any age limit for higher studies abroad?
Karan Gupta answers, No.
Kajal asked, Please suggest which country is the best to pursue my PG diploma in hospitality management and why?
Karan Gupta answers, I would opt for Australia, as the main business there is tourism.
Mayur asked, Hey Karan, thanks for coming here... I am second year pharmacy year and in a dilemma. Should I be giving new or old Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for masters in Biotechnology or Management?
Karan Gupta answers, I would recommend the old GRE. However, if are not happy with your score then you could opt for a new GRE. This way you will have both the scores for your admission.
Anuradha asked, Hi Karan, I am in Class XI (Arts). I want to pursue psychology abroad. What are the prospects for scholarships and loans for undergraduates, and what are the well-known universities?
Karan Gupta answers, Scholarships and loans are generally offered by private liberal art schools only. Hence, if you select your universities properly, you would be able to get some form of funding. Try the Middlebury College or Swarthmore College.
Chinamy asked, Hi Mr Karan, I am studying in SEIT and planning to go to US by 2009. Is it beneficial to give new GRE pattern? I also have a good academic record but I hardly have any extra curricular activities certificate, so what should be my GRE and TOEFL score?
Karan Gupta answers, Give both the old as well as the new GRE. The universities will consider the best score. Subject test in CS is very useful and highly recommended.
Tej asked, Hi Karan, can you tell me whether I am late for applying to schools for MPH for Fall 2007
Karan Gupta answers, If you have taken the GRE and the TOEFL you are in time for admissions. You should, however, apply as soon as possible.
Ramesh asked, I want to study psychology. How much will that cost in the US?
Karan Gupta answers, A Bachelor's degree in the US will cost you around $ 30,000 per year.
Ravi asked, Good afternoon Karan, I'm doing 3rd year BTech now. When is the right time to write GRE for me? I plan to do MS. Also will there be any problem in getting admission if I work for two years and then do apply for MS?
Karan Gupta answers, Work experience is always preferred. So the more work experience you have the better. Take the GRE after you have studied for three months -- at least one year prior to the semester you want to apply for.
Sandeep asked, Hi Karan, this is Sandeep, working as an s/w engineer for almost two years. I would like to go for one year MBA. How is Indian School Of Business (ISB) Hyderabad for this and also how should one go for preparing Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)?
Karan Gupta answers, ISB is a good school but it does not offer an MBA. What it offers is a postgraduate diploma in Management. For the cost you are footing at ISB, you may be better off at a business school in the UK.
Akshay asked, Hi Karan, at present I'm doing BCA from Chandigarh (second year). I had topped in the annual examinations last year. I am confused regarding my post-graduation. I don't know whether I should opt for management stream or computers. And If I go for MCA, will it be a good option to study in India or should I try for MS abroad? Are there any scholarships available for studies abroad?
Karan Gupta answers, For an MBA you need work experience. Therefore, your best bet is to opt for an MCA.
Aartee asked, What at are the chances of getting admitted if you could not complete the application in time?
Karan Gupta answers, Nil.
Vijay asked, Dear Karan, I am a physics undergraduate from University of Madras. I would like to pursue MS in Physics from a university in USA/UK. Do universities in USA and UK consider candidates with a three year BSc Physics from Indian universities for MS? How much would I have to spend totally for MS in Physics in USA and UK? Thank you.
Karan Gupta answers, Most universities in the US do not consider applicants with a three-year degree. UK universities will accept students with a three-year degree. Average cost of education in the US is around $ 30,000 per year and UK around $ 30,000 for the entire course (one year course).
Jai asked, Is it financially safe to become a pilot? Can I have any scholarship?
Karan Gupta answers, No. Scholarships are available for pilot training.
Anshul asked, I have three to five years experience in software industry and I might go on a long-term onsite. Suggest ways to prepare for Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Right now I am preparing from the Common Admission Test (CAT) material
Karan Gupta answers, Use the official guide to GMAT.
Tomorrow: Part II of the transcript
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